CHALKIDIKI

General Information

At a first glance, Chalkidiki seems as the natural resort of the city of Thessaloniki. It is that indeed, and very much more. Each one of its three successive peninsulas has a different atmosphere, a distinct aura of its own: Kassandra is an ideal place for cosmopolitan vacations, Sithonia is suitable for calmness and relaxation, while the network of monasteries of Agion Oros (mount Athos, the mountain of piety) to the east is a one of the few places that truly embraces the spiritual peace which is the cornerstone of Christianity. Long coasts with sandy beaches, lacy watersides with the blue green waters, the  bushy pinewoods dominating the inlands of both Kassandra and Sithonia, the mountainous bulge of Cholomontas with the affluent flora and fauna, all contribute to form the magnificent anaglyph of Chalkidiki. The interest of visitors is roused by the cloistral country of Agion Oros, the notable archaeological sites, the awe-inspiring cave of Petralona, the historical monuments, the traditional Mediterranean villages, the offshore hamlets, the picturesque islet of Ammouliani and the gorgeous islets nearby the coast of Vourvourou. Its population was last counted at 104.894 permanent residents, while its extent covers 2.918 sq.km.

History - Culture

Man has been living in Chalkidiki for at least seven hundred thousand years, as has been proven by the skull found in the cave of Petralona, and which is the oldest relic of homo sapiens found in Europe. The dawn of history finds as inhabitants of the region the Thracian tribe of Sithonians, whose legacy is kept alive to this day in the name of the central peninsula. In the 8th century BC settlers from Chalkis and Eretria (cities of Euboea to the South) swarmed into the region, giving their own name to the entire prefecture. Between the 4th and the 3rd century BC, groups of colonists from Corinth, Andros, Athens and Macedonia arrived and settled permanently in this rich peninsula. Following the Persian Wars, the region became a member of the Athenian Alliance, which lasted until the forced participation of Chalkidiki in the Peloponnesian Wars. In 392 BC, under the leadership of the cities of Olynthos, Potidaia and Aphytis, the Commonwealth of the people of Chalkidiki was formed. This establishment remained strong until king Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, destroyed Olynthos and added the region to the lands under Macedonian rule. The city of Stagira gave birth to one of the greatest human minds ever to walk the Earth, the philosopher-scientist Aristotle. Long centuries later, beginning in the 9th century AD, a series of monasteries were founded on Mount Athos, a trend which has marked the history of Chalkidiki. During the early Byzantine years, the peninsula had lost the prosperity of antiquity, while in the period of Frankish occupation that followed (13th - 14th century), the people experienced severe taxation. Chalkidiki was subjugated to the Turkish onslaught in 1430, and many villages, thanks to the old mines, enjoyed privileged treatment. The geographical situation of the region - within easy reach from Constantinople - was the reason why the rebellion failed when it broke out along with the Greek War of Independence in 1821. However, Chalkidiki was liberated in October 1912.

Sights

If Chalkidiki is among the favorite tourist destinations, this is partially due to its alternating natural landscapes and to the abundance of interesting sights. Polygyros, the capital of the prefecture, is a city with a truly wonderful climate where fresh running waters form numerous rivulets and streams, while it also has a breathtaking view to all three peninsulas, enabling it to physically overlook the lands under its administrative control. Aghia Paraskevi is renowned for its sulphurous springs. In the village of Aghios Nikolaos one can see the church of Aghios Georgios, the remains of a pre-Byzantine castle in the area of Pyrgos and the islet of Aghios Andreas. The impressive ruins of the ancient city of Arnaia are situated very close to modern Arnaia. Aphytos is a beautiful, well-preserved settlement situated on the site of ancient Aphytos where Agis, king of Sparta, died and, according to tradition, he was embalmed with the noted honey of Cassandra. The base of the Temple of Ammon Zeus lies there while in the area, the Basilica of Aghios Dimitrios and the springs are worth visiting. In Galatista, one can see the medieval castle along with the 101 old churches and traditional houses. In the small village of Petralona, there is the cave where, among other Paleolithic findings of major significance, the oldest human remains in Europe have been discovered, and is a place definitely worth visiting. In addition to an abundance of great monuments and picturesque villages, Chalkidiki is a land overwhelmed by beautiful bays, crystal clear beaches -the islet of Ammouliani is akin to an earthly paradise- and forested hillsides. Frequently the pine trees get so close to the shore, that their delicate needles are reflected on the water. Driving through this fascinating countryside holds rich rewards, such as the discovery of the countless hidden, reclusive bays where a swim can be enjoyed in privacy, an unimaginable concept for such a popular tourist destination. It is no wonder that Chalkidiki enchants its visitors.  

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

All across the first two peninsulas, a wide range of accommodations, entertainment and shopping facilities of the highest standards are available. Night life is vivid, often leading well into the next day, while somehow there is always more than enough places for those who desire peaceful, quiet vacations. Several beach bars can be found, most working round the clock, offering coffee, refreshments, snacks, and drinks, in an atmosphere which can best be described as ?partying all day serves to prepare for the party all night?. Numerous settlements along the majestic coastline have developed into first rate holiday resorts. Wonderful textiles and thyme honey are considered to be best buys. As for the noted local dishes, visitors should try fresh fried fish, chicken in red sauce and a desert consisting of yoghurt, walnuts and honey. In the field of sports, there are yachting clubs in Nea Moudania and Porto Carras, mini golf courses and tennis courts in hotel units, water sports equipment on every beach. Furthermore, there is a diving centre in Armenistis, a golf club and a horse-riding club in Porto Carras while Mount Cholomontas is suitable for mountain climbing.

Access

Buses depart from Thessaloniki to Cassandra, Polygyros and Moudania. There is also bus service to Ierissos and Ouranoupolis.

Connections

Apart from a bus connection with Thessaloniki, small boats link Ierissos and Ouranoupolis with the monasteries of the NE and SE side and the monasteries of the western side of the peninsula respectively on a daily basis. During summer, there is a speedboat connection with Moudania, the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Allonisos (Northern Sporades) and Agios Ioannis - Chorephto (Thessaly).

Museums

There is an Archaeological Museum in Polygyros, a Folk Art Museum in Aphytos and an interesting archaeological collection in Gerakini with significant Paleolithic findings originating from the site of Petralona included.

Alternative Tourism

Spiritual, archaeology, paleontology, ecclesiastical, ecotourism, caving, sporting (water sports, yachting, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, trekking).

Useful Telephone Numbers:                                   

POLYGIROS AREA CODE:  23710-

POLICE STATION  : 23710-21657

TOURIST POLICE: 23710-21624

MUNICIPALITY: 23710-23713, 50700

TRAFFIC POLICE: 23710-21660-3

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 23710-21000

POST OFFICE: 23710-22242

TAXI STATION: 23710-22460

HOSPITAL: 23710-20101, 24021

PHARMACIES: 23710-22100, 22360

BUS STATION: 23710-22309